Storage Container Having Collapsible Bottom

ABSTRACT

A food storage container that includes an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the upper portion is manufactured from a collapsible material and is operable to collapse inwards towards the upper portion. The upper portion further includes an annular support wall having an inner surface with an upper section and a lower section, the upper section having threads disposed thereon. A top member is included having a threaded portion operable to couple with the threads on the upper section. The top member further includes a rim member and a channel formed therein with a rotating disk movably mounted thereto. The lower portion has a contiguous wall and a bottom defining an interior volume with the wall being angular in configuration defining an upper section and a lower section. A seam is present between the upper section and lower section and facilitates the collapsing of the lower portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to food storage containers, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a food storage container having a bottom portion manufactured from a collapsible material wherein the bottom portion is operable to fold into the upper portion of the container.

BACKGROUND

Portable containers for food are common in the art. Individuals utilize these containers to transport food items for various functions as well as to store leftover food items. Conventional food containers often are manufactured in two parts, a bottom portion having a defined interior volume and a lid that is operable to cover the bottom portion and prevent spillage therefrom. The storage of these conventional containers demands a significant amount of cabinet space. Additionally, these conventional container configurations have at least one portion that is routinely lost or misplaced due to a lack of organization during storage.

One problem with conventional food containers is there inability to assist in the egression of food therefrom. Conventional containers typically have storage portions that are manufactured from a rigid material. While these containers provide storage of food disposed therein, they do not facilitate the extraction of food therefrom and the user must utilize an item such as a utensil if they desire to consume the food directly from the container. While there are items known in the art such as collapsible cups, the construction of these items are focused on facilitating the storage thereof and they are not properly constructed to assist a user in extraction of food materials disposed therein for immediate consumption without the need for utensils.

Another problem with conventional food storage containers is their inability to accommodate various food phases. Many conventional containers are available but the current technology consists of containers that are focused on the storage of solid foods. These types of containers that are focused on solid foods are not constructed appropriately to receive liquid foods therein. Alternatively, existing containers that are constructed to receive, store and dispense liquids are not constructed so as to accommodate the same for either a solid food or a food having a paste-like consistency such as but not limited to baby food.

Accordingly, there is a need for a food storage container that is operable to have a portion thereof that is collapsible so as to promote a reduced storage space and wherein the construction of the collapsible portion and the container itself is operable to facilitate the extraction of liquid and paste-like consistency foods therefrom and dispense immediately to the user for consumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a food storage container that includes an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the lower portion is configured to be collapsible into the upper portion.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a food storage container that includes a collapsible portion in order to facilitate reduced storage space requirements.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a food storage container that includes a collapsible portion wherein the container is constructed to store and dispense foods that are either paste-like in consistency or liquids.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a food storage container that includes a collapsible portion wherein the collapsible portion collapses in a two-stage movement.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a food storage container operable to facilitate the storage and dispensing of a food item such as but not limited to baby food, wherein the collapsible portion has a first section and a second section.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a food storage container that is operable to store and dispense a food item having a paste-like consistency that includes a rotatable lid providing access to the food contents.

An alternative object of the present invention is to provide a food storage container having a collapsible portion operable to facilitate a reduced storage space requirement and delivery of a food item disposed therein that further includes a top ring having a lip portion operable to dispense food into the mouth of a user.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded diagrammatic view of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a side view of the upper portion and lower portion of the present invention in its extended position; and

FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention with the bottom portion collapsed into the upper portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a food storage container 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

Referring in particular to FIG. 1, the food storage container 100 further includes upper body portion 10. The upper body portion 10 includes single annular shaped wall 11 having a lower perimeter edge 12 and an upper perimeter edge 14. The wall 11 defines a passage 15 having an upper opening 16 and a lower opening 17. The upper body portion 10 is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to plastic. The upper body portion 10 includes an inner surface 20 having a lower section 21 and an upper section 23. The lower section 21 is smooth in texture and is mateably secured to the support ring 25. The lower section 21 and support ring 25 are operably coupled utilizing suitable durable manufacturing techniques. The height of the wall 26 of the support ring 25 is equal to the height of the lower section 21 of the inner surface 20. During manufacturing the support ring 25 is inserted into the lower opening 17 such that the upper edge 27 of the wall 26 is proximate the bottom edge 31 of threads 30. Ledge member 35 is adjacent to lower perimeter edge 12 subsequent insertion of support ring 25 and is operable to enhance structural support of the assembled elements of the support ring 25 and upper body portion 10. While no particular assembly method is required good results have been achieved utilizing chemical adhesion to bond the support ring 25 to the inner surface 20. While an annular shaped wall 11 has been disclosed herein as the preferred embodiment, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the upper body portion 10 could be constructed of a plurality of contiguous formed walls in order to create a n upper body portion 10 having different shapes. Furthermore, in the aforementioned alternative embodiment, the support ring 25 could be formed to be of mateable shape with the upper body portion 10 in order to facilitate the coupling thereof as described herein.

Threads 30 are integrally formed into the upper section 23 of the upper body portion 10 utilizing suitable durable techniques. The threads 30 facilitate the releasable coupling of top 40 to the upper body portion 10. The top 40 is annular in shape having thread portion 42 that are operable to engage threads 30 in order to fasten the top 40. Top 40 is annular in shape and includes rim member 46 integrally formed with upper surface 44. The rim member 46 extends upward and perpendicular from the upper surface 44 and includes outer surface 47. The outer surface 47 includes a plurality of indentations 50. The indentations 50 are half-elliptical in shape having a concave portion 51. The aforementioned shape of the indentations 50 has shown to facilitate an improved engagement with fingers of a human hand so as to provide optimal grip with the top 40. While a particular shape of the indentations 50 is defined herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the indentations 50 could be formed in various different shapes in order to achieve the desired functionality as described herein. O-ring 53 is operably intermediate the lower edge 55 of rim member 46 and the upper edge 57 of threads 30 in order to ensure a leak proof connection between the top 40 and the upper body portion 10.

Top 40 includes aperture 60 journaled through the upper surface 44. Aperture 60 is operable to provide a passage for contents disposed within the food storage container 100 to be egressed therefrom. Upper surface 44 further includes center recess 65 and slot 67. Center recess 65 is operable to engage a knob (not illustrated herein) formed on the underside of top disk 70. Slot 67 is crescent shaped and is operable to engage a pin (not illustrated herein) formed on the underside of top disk 70. The pin and knob assist is the rotatable functionality of the top disk described later herein. Proximate the slot 67 is vent 69. Vent 69 is a small hole journaled through the upper surface 44 and provides assistance in the consistent egression of liquid or semi-liquid materials from the aperture 60. Rim member 46 has formed therein channel 75 proximate upper surface 44. Top disk 70 is rotatably secured within channel 75. Top disk 70 includes aperture 77 that is aligned with aperture 60. Top disk 70 is rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position aperture 77 is aligned with aperture 60 and contents stored within the food storage container 100 can egress therefrom. In its second position, the top disk 70 is rotated such that aperture 77 and aperture 60 are not aligned so as to prevent contents disposed within the food storage container 100 from egressing. Top disk 70 includes gripping members 80,81. Gripping members 80,81 are integrally formed with top disk 70 and extend upward therefrom being perpendicular to top disk 70. Gripping members 80, 81 provide a user interface to rotate the top disk 70 intermediate its first position and its second position. Top disk 70 further includes slot 88, which is aligned with vent 69 sealed with gasket 89.

Secured to the rim member 46 is outer ring 90. Outer ring 90 in annular in shape and includes lower wall 91. Lower wall 91 is operable to be coupled with the rim member 46 such that the lower wall 91 is adjacent the inner surface 1 of the rim member 46. The outer ring 90 is releasably secured to the rim member 46 utilizing suitable durable methods and is aligned using notch 92. Notch 92 ensures that outer ring 90 is properly oriented with rim member 46 when being secured thereto. Outer ring 90 further includes lip member 95. Lip member 95 extends above the upper edge 97 of the outer ring 90 and is formed having a width that is of sufficient size to be engaged by a human mouth. Lip member 95 facilitates the transfer of food contents into a mouth of a user. While a lip member 95 has illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the top disk 70 could have formed therewith various interface members to facilitate the transfer food to a user. By way of example but not limitation, the top disk 70 could include a collapsible straw or similar member.

The food storage container 100 includes lower body portion 110. The lower body portion 110 is collapsible into the upper body portion 10. The lower body portion 110 is manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to silicon. The lower body portion is secured to ledge member 35 of support ring 25 utilizing suitable durable techniques. The lower body portion 110 includes an upper section 115 and a lower section 120 that are contiguously formed having a seam 125 intermediate thereto. The lower body portion 110 forms an interior volume suitable for storing food materials therein. The upper section 115 is formed in an angular manner wherein the upper section 115 commences proximate ledge member 35 and angles inward. The angle of orientation with the wall 113 of the upper section 115 and the wall 124 of the lower section 120 is approximately one hundred and forty-five degrees. Wall 124 is parallel with wall 11. This orientation has proven to be much stronger than conventional z-fold configurations or other structured configurations and prevents both unwanted collapsing of the lower body portion 110 and provides improved delivery of food during pressure application on the bottom 130. While in the preferred embodiment a preferred angle of one hundred and forty five degrees provides desired results, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the angle orientation between wall 113 and wall 124 could be within one hundred and forty degrees and one hundred and fifty degrees. Further, the aforementioned orientation of the upper section 115 is optimal for the collapsing of the lower section 120 thereinto when a user wishes to reduce the size of the food storage container 100 for storage thereof in a cabinet. The lower section 120 is operable to collapse into upper section 115. Seam 125 provides the flex point required for the lower section 120 to collapse into the upper section 115 subsequent force being applied to the bottom 130. During use of the food storage container 100, a user will apply a force to bottom 130. During the application of force to the bottom 130, any contents disposed within the interior volume of the lower body portion 110 will begin to egress from the food storage container 100 via aperture 60 for consumption by a user. As the food stored within the food storage container 100 is consumed the lower section 120 will initially collapse into the upper section 115 and ensuing the consumption of more food and continued pressure application on bottom 130, upper section 115 will collapse into passage 15. The aforementioned configuration is ideal for delivering food that has a paste-like consistency to a user such as but not by way of limitation, baby food. While the food storage container has been discussed herein as being utilized to store and dispense food, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the food storage container 100 could be used to store and dispense numerous different materials such as but not limited to cosmetics and other paste-like materials. Additionally, the fully collapsed position of the lower body portion 110 requires less storage space when a user is storing the food storage container 100.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A food storage container having a collapsible portion comprising: a body, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion of said body having a wall, said wall of said upper portion having an upper edge and a lower edge, said wall of said upper portion having an upper opening and a lower opening with a passage therethrough, said wall of said upper portion having an inner surface, said inner surface having a lower section and an upper section, said lower portion of said body having a support ring, said support ring having a wall, said support ring operable to extend into the passage of said upper portion of said body adjacent to the inner surface of the wall of said upper portion of said body, said support ring having a ledge member, said ledge member extending outward from said wall of said support ring, said lower portion of said body further including an upper section and a lower section extending downward from said ledge member in its first position, said upper section and said lower section contiguously formed with a collapsible material, said upper section and said lower section having an interior volume operable to receive food therein, said upper section and said lower section being angularly oriented with respect to each other; a top member, said top member being releasably secured to said upper portion of said body proximate said upper opening, said top member including a planar upper surface and a rim member, said rim member being perpendicular with the planar upper surface and extending upwards therefrom, said top member having an aperture, wherein said lower portion of said body is operable to collapse into said upper portion of said body in order to assist in the removal of food stored within the lower portion of said body.
 2. The food storage container as recited in claim 1, wherein said top member further includes a channel, said channel formed within said rim member, said channel being adjacent the planar upper surface of said top member.
 3. The food storage container as recited in claim 2, and further including a rotating top disk, said rotating top disk being movably mounted within the channel, said rotating top disk operable to open or close said aperture.
 4. The food storage container as recited in claim 3, wherein said upper section and said lower section of said lower portion of said body include an outer wall and wherein the outer wall has an angle that is approximately one hundred and forty five degrees.
 5. The food storage container as recited in claim 4, wherein the upper section of said inner surface is threaded so as to operably couple with the top member.
 6. The food storage container as recited in claim 5, wherein the wall of said lower section of said lower portion of said body is parallel with the wall of said upper portion of said body.
 7. The food storage container as recited in claim 6, and further including an outer ring, said outer ring being operably coupled to said rim member, said outer ring having a lip member portion.
 8. A food storage container having a collapsible portion to assist in the delivery of food stored therein comprising: an upper body portion, said upper body portion having an annular shaped wall, said annular shaped wall of said upper body portion having an upper edge and a lower edge, said annular shaped wall of said upper body portion having an upper opening and a lower opening with a passage intermediate thereto, said annular shaped wall having and inner surface with said inner surface having an upper section and a lower section; a lower body portion, said lower body portion operably coupled to said upper body portion, said lower body portion having a support ring, said support ring formed from an annular shaped wall, said support ring having an upper edge and a lower edge, said support ring having a passage therethrough, said support ring operably coupled to said upper body portion wherein the annular shaped wall of the support ring is adjacent to the lower section of the inner surface of said annular shaped wall of said upper body portion, said lower body portion further including a lower section, said lower section being formed from a collapsible material, said lower section extending downward from said lower edge of said support ring, said lower section having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion and said lower portion having a contiguously formed wall and a bottom defining an interior volume, the wall of said upper portion and said lower portion having seam intermediate thereto, the wall of said upper portion and said lower portion being angular in configuration; a top member, said top member being releasably secured to said upper body portion, said top member having a planar upper surface and a rim member extending upward therefrom being perpendicular thereto, said top member having a lower threaded portion, said top member having a first aperture and a second aperture; and wherein the lower body portion has a first position and a second position, in said first position, the lower section is extended away from the upper body portion and in said second position, the lower section of said lower body portion is collapsed into said upper body portion.
 9. The food storage container as recited in claim 8, wherein the wall of said lower section has an angle within the range of approximately one hundred and forty degrees to one hundred and fifty degrees between said upper portion and said lower portion of said lower section.
 10. The food storage container as recited in claim 9, wherein said top member further includes a channel, said channel being integrally formed within said rim member adjacent to the planar upper surface.
 11. The food storage container as recited in claim 10, and further including a rotating top disk, said rotating top disk being movably mounted within said channel, said rotating top disk having a first and second aperture, said rotating top disk having a first grip member and a second grip member extending upward therefrom.
 12. The food storage container as recited in claim 11, wherein said rim member further includes a plurality of indentations, said indentations being half elliptical in shape having a concave portion.
 13. The food storage container as recited in claim 12, and further including an outer ring, said outer ring being releasably secured to said rim member, said outer ring having a lip member formed therewith having an edge wherein the edge extends outward from said outer ring.
 14. The food storage container as recited in claim 13, and further including a ledge member, said ledge member integrally formed with the lower edge of said support ring, said ledge member being perpendicular with said support ring and extending outward therefrom, said ledge member operable to engage the lower edge of the annular shaped wall of said upper body portion.
 15. A food storage container having a first portion and a second portion wherein the second portion is manufactured from a collapsible material and is configured to collapse inwards toward the first portion comprising: an upper body portion, said upper body portion having an annular shaped wall, said annular shaped wall of said upper body portion having an upper edge and a lower edge, said annular shaped wall of said upper body portion having an upper opening and a lower opening with a passage intermediate thereto, said annular shaped wall having and inner surface with said inner surface having an upper section and a lower section, said lower section of said inner surface being smooth in texture, said upper section of said inner surface having threads disposed thereon; a lower body portion, said lower body portion operably coupled to said upper body portion, said lower body portion having a support ring, said support ring having an annular shaped wall, said annular shaped wall having an exterior surface, said annular shaped wall of said support ring having an upper edge and a lower edge, said support ring having a passage therethrough, said support ring operably coupled to said upper body portion wherein the exterior surface of said annular shaped wall of the support ring is adjacent to the lower section of the inner surface of said annular shaped wall of said upper body portion, said support ring further having a ledge member formed therewith, said ledge member extending outward from said annular shaped wall of said support ring proximate the lower edge, said lower body portion further including a lower section, said lower section being formed from a collapsible material, said lower section extending downward from said lower edge of said support ring, said lower section having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion and said lower portion having a contiguously formed wall and a bottom defining an interior volume, the wall of said upper portion and said lower portion having seam intermediate thereto, the wall of said upper portion and said lower portion being angular in configuration; a top member, said top member being releasably secured to said upper body portion, said top member having a planar upper surface and a rim member extending upward therefrom being perpendicular thereto, said top member having a lower threaded portion, said lower threaded portion operable to couple with the threads on the upper section of the inner surface of the wall of the upper body portion, said top member having a first aperture and a second aperture, said top member further including a channel, said channel being formed in said rim member adjacent to the planar upper surface; and wherein the lower body portion has a first position and a second position, in said first position, the lower section is extended away from the upper body portion and in said second position, the lower section of said lower body portion is collapsed into said upper body portion.
 16. The food storage container as recited in claim 15, wherein the wall of said lower section has an angle within the range of approximately one hundred and forty degrees to one hundred and fifty degrees between said upper portion and said lower portion of said lower section.
 17. The food storage container as recited in claim 16, and further including a rotating top disk, said rotating top disk being movably mounted within said channel, said rotating top disk having a first and second aperture, said rotating top disk having a first grip member and a second grip member extending upward therefrom.
 18. The food storage container as recited in claim 17, wherein said rim member further includes a plurality of indentations, said indentations being half elliptical in shape having a concave portion.
 19. The food storage container as recited in claim 18, and further including an outer ring, said outer ring being releasably secured to said rim member, said outer ring having a lip member formed therewith having an edge wherein the edge extends outward from said outer ring.
 20. The food storage container as recited in claim 19, wherein said lower body portion is manufactured from silicon. 